International Year of Millets 2023: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) celebrated the conclusion of the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 with a distinguished closing ceremony on March 29, 2024, at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The high-profile event, which blended in-person attendance with virtual participation, welcomed esteemed dignitaries from around the globe, including the Additional Secretary, of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Smt. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, representing the Government of India.
During her address, Smt. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi emphasized the pivotal role of India’s burgeoning millet ecosystem, comprising startups, industries, and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), in promoting and adopting millets.
Dr. QU Dongyu, the Director-General of FAO, lauded the international community for its dedication to advancing millet-related initiatives. He underscored the crucial role of millet in ensuring food security and nutrition for all. Mr. Yaya Adisa Olaitan Olaniran, Minister and Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to FAO, shed light on the significance of millet and outlined strategies for integrating millet cultivation into sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
Attendees were treated to a captivating video showcasing the diverse range of activities and events organized under the International Year of Millets 2023 across various regions, highlighting the global impact of the initiative. The ceremony concluded with the remarks of Ms. Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of FAO, expressing gratitude to all participants for their unwavering commitment to the success of the International Year of Millets 2023.
The International Year of Millets, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2021, received support from over 70 countries, including a proposal by India. Throughout 2023, the initiative successfully raised awareness about the nutritional benefits of millet consumption, its suitability for cultivation under adverse climatic conditions, and the importance of creating sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.
The closing ceremony served as a platform to reflect on the achievements and lessons learned from the International Year of Millets 2023 and to identify priorities for future investments. Insightful discussions and presentations highlighted the significance of millets in achieving sustainable development goals and their emergence as a ‘Global Superfood.’ Dr. C Tara Satyavathi, Director of ICAR-IIMR, shared insights into India’s research and development efforts to bolster the millets value chain at a roundtable discussion on ‘Research and Development for the Millets Sector.’
In addition to discussions and presentations, a special exhibition featuring millet-value-added products from around the world and a live cooking demonstration were organized, showcasing the versatility and culinary potential of millets. The closing ceremony underscored the importance of sustaining momentum in promoting millets beyond the designated year and strengthening millet value chains worldwide.
